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Laredo ISD chess participation grows; band programs cite preparation, funding and rubric changes as barriers to higher rankings
Summary
Fine arts staff told trustees that district chess participation totaled 522 students and that marching-band competitiveness is constrained by late show selection, limited staff/resources and recent rubric changes that emphasize visual elements. Staff recommended earlier planning and possible programming changes in middle schools.
Fred Rodriguez and other fine‑arts staff told the Student Services Committee on Nov. 3 that Laredo ISD’s chess program has grown to a district total of 522 participants (341 elementary, 86 middle, 95 high school) and that the second CHEST tournament drew 399 students. The district plans its next tournament on Jan. 17, 2026.
“This past Saturday, we had 399 students that participated,” Fred Rodriguez said, noting the district keeps some students from tournaments until they are “tournament ready.” Rodriguez described growth at campuses such as Memorial (45 participants) and McDonnell (26 participants) and said the program…
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